News

Pembrokeshire colleagues named ‘Covid Hero Team’ in national care awards

Published

4 years ago

March 2, 2022

A GROUP of Pembrokeshire colleagues has been hailed a ‘Covid Hero Team’ after claiming the title in a national care sector awards scheme.

Co-workers at Bangeston Hall in Pembroke Dock, which provides care for adults with autism, took the title at the Welsh regional finals of the Great British Care Awards and will now represent Wales in the same category at the UK finals this Spring.

Staff at Bangeston Hall, which is run by Orbis Education and Care, were rewarded by judges for being ‘joined as one in the common and intended purpose’ of providing quality, meaningful activities to maintain a good and valued quality of life every day throughout the pandemic.

Jemma Erasmus, manager at Bangeston Hall, said the team were conscious of their community presence, so they created their own special tribute to the county’s key workers by positioning rainbows at the entrance to the site, among other things.

Jemma said: “My team has gone above and beyond to assist the people we support throughout the pandemic, coming up with innovative ideas for activities and ensuring that the home has remained safe and run as smoothly as possible within that time.

“They have had to be particularly imaginative and creative in their approaches to care and learning which has resulted in amazing and significant success. The people we support are happy. They enjoy their days and have not been anxious as a result of restrictions and alterations to their very important routines and structures.

“I am immensely proud of them and absolutely delighted that the dedication and compassion they have shown throughout the pandemic has been recognised in this way. They are all winners in my eyes,” Jemma added.

Orbis runs 17 schools, residential homes and day facilities for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism and is one of the UK’s leading specialist providers, claiming three wins overall at the Wales regional finals of the Great British Care Awards.

Support Worker Tristan Harris was also awarded the ‘Dignity in Care Award’ for his work at Dan y Coed in Swansea, and Head of Academy Living Kris Davies received the ‘Care Frontline Leader Award’ at the Welsh regional finals. All three will now go on to represent Wales in their respective categories at the UK finals in Birmingham this March.

Suzanne Lawrence, Chief Executive at Orbis Education and Care, said: “We are immensely proud of all our nominees and winners at this year’s Great British Care Awards all-Wales final, and of all our colleagues generally here at Orbis Education and Care.

“In the past two years, we have experienced some of the most challenging times the care sector has ever seen, so to have their dedication and passion recognised on a wider scale really is more poignant than ever as we begin to look at life beyond the pandemic.”

“Our team at Bangeston Hall have shown great creativity and tenacity in ensuring the people they support have continued to live their best lives throughout the pandemic It is extremely gratifying to see one of our teams walk away with the ‘Covid Hero Team Award’,” Suzanne added.

Orbis Education and Care are recruiting now at its centres in Swansea and across Wales. For more information about the group visit www.orbis-group.co.uk.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

18 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.